Published Resources Details Journal Article
- Title
- The United States Torpedo Ship "Destroyer"
- In
- Engineering
- Imprint
- vol. 39, 13 March 1885, p. 270
- Description
Accession No.2393
- Abstract
Captain John Ericsson, of New York, U.S.A., had been engaged for a number of years upon the design and construction of an iron-clad with submarine armament, which he offered to the United States Government for 120,000 dols. The Destroyer was intended for coast service and harbour defence, and was 130 ft. Long, 11 ft. Deep, and 17 ft. 4 in. Wide. The vessel lay low and an intermediate arched deck of iron extended from stem to stern and covered the crew and machinery during action. The 30 ft. In length gun was below the water line, had a bore of 16 in.; and carried a 25 ft. Long projectile that weighed 1450 lb., and contained 300 lb. Of gun cotton, which was exploded by percussion. The opinions of naval officers of the time differed widely with regards to this latest work of an engineer who was well over fourscore years of age, but the Government ran little risk in opening negotiations as Ericsson had offered unlimited access to the vessel.
